Cold Weather Gear for Dogs

When the weather turns colder, outdoor gear for dogs may
include sweaters, coats, boots or other garments that may once have been
considered fashion accessories. Caring owners are discovering that
certain clothes may make a dog feel more comfortable when winter sets
in.

Why Dogs Need Clothes in Cold Weather

Short-haired dogs, puppies and older dogs would especially benefit
from a sweater or coat in colder weather because they are less able to
adjust to the change in temperature than a long-haired or a younger
adult dog. Breeds that especially benefit from cold weather gear for
dogs include whippets, greyhounds, Chihuahuas and miniature pinschers.
Any dog that lives exclusively indoors is less able to acclimate to
seasonal temperature changes than a dog that spends part of his time
outdoors year-round.

If the morning or afternoon walk occurs in a wintry mix, a raincoat
can help keep a dog warm and dry. This means less need to towel your
shivering dog off in the mudroom or entryway at the end of the walk. The
top layer of most canine raincoats provides water protection, while the
bottom layer offers protection against wind and cold.

Boots can help protect a dog's feet from more than just snow. They
can help ward off frostbite, provide extra traction on ice or prevent a
dog from stepping into ice-melting chemicals that he could then
accidentally ingest by licking his paws.

When Cold Weather Clothes Are a Bad Idea

In some instances, clothing on a dog in cold weather may be a bad
idea. For example, long-haired, heavy-coated dogs such as the Siberian
husky, the St. Bernard or the Great Pyrenees may become overheated if
they are dressed in a close-fitting sweater or coat.

In other cases, cold weather clothes are unnecessary. If you live in a
part of the country that doesn't experience four seasons, such as
Florida, California or Hawaii, cold weather clothes are probably not
required for your dog.

How to Measure Your Dog for Clothes

Here are some basic guidelines to follow when measuring your dog for
cold weather gear. Some online retailers also offer suggested sizes
based on your dog's breed, or you may be able to have your dog try on
certain items at your local pet supply store.

Ideally, a dog sweater should cover your pet's chest and back to the
base of his tail. To measure your dog for a sweater or coat, have him
stand still with his head up. Use a cloth tape measure that's designed
for sewing to take the measurements. Keep the tape measure snug against
your dog's body, but don't hold it too tight to ensure your measurements
are correct.

Measure your dog's neck as you would for a collar, then measure the
distance from the base of your dog's neck to the base of his tail.
Determine which way your dog's tail normally points, and round up for
breeds with downward-facing tails. Round the measurement down for breeds
whose tails face upward.

Another important measurement you may need is your dog's girth, or
the distance around him. Measure him at his widest point, which is
usually around his chest immediately behind his front legs